lo THE BOOK OF THE ANIMAL KINGDOM 



the giant makes its appearance above water, the flat part of the 

 head, and perhaps a portion of the broad shoulders, alone being 

 projected. 



At such time a good view may be obtained of the small rounded 

 ears, and the closeness of the slit-like nostrils, which are placed high 

 on the broad muzzle. This is an important point to recognize, 

 because when the animal is in the water the nostrils may be raised 

 above the surface for breathing purposes without more than a few 

 inches of the head appearing above the level. This is, of course, 

 of service to the animal in hiding its body, and so escaping 

 detection . 



So tame have these huge beasts become at the London Zoo 

 that a gentleman of my acquaintance has made fast friends with 

 these and many other animals, about which more will be said when 

 we come to the chapter devoted to "Cats — Great and Small." They 

 have learned to recognize his voice; they come towards him as a 

 result of a welcome summons, for the temptation to be fed with a 

 delicacy of some kind is more than they can resist. 



Being vegetarian in its natural haunts, it is small wonder that 

 the specimen I helped to feed not long since showed such a liking 

 for leaves. In a wild state the animal grazes at nightfall, dozing 

 during the daytime, or 'immersiing its body in the water and 

 remaining motionless. Where the water is sluggish, there this 

 River Horse, or River Swine as the Egyptians called it, should 

 be sought for, as when the water is fast running the animal must 

 use all its wits to battle with the swift running current. In fact, 

 being a lethargic creature during the day, the Hippo cannot bear 

 its nap to be interfered with, and so chooses those waters where it 

 may hope to rest without let or hindrance. 



Where the monster is found it is still common to-day, and 

 although specimens in Zoological Gardens may become friendly 

 with those whom they learn to recognize, a ferocious, wild specimen 

 is not a pleasant customer to deal with. Much damage is often 

 perpetrated by the Hippos charging at boats and digging holes in 

 the bottom by means of their strong tusks. 



A new innovation at the time of writing is now in vogue at the 

 London Zoo, namely, measurement tables have been placed near 

 several of the animals, enabling the visitor to ascertain for himself 

 the height or length of any inhabitant he may be watching. When 

 taking note of one of the Hippopotami in Regent's Park recently. 



